Some good news today - in spite of a miserable run of one win in nine games, impending relegation to League C and a third seeding in the qualification draw, Ireland will be qualifying for Euro 2020.
That's the guarantee given to us all by manager Martin O'Neill, who said that we will be taking our place in the 24-team, pan-European extravaganza. After his post-match press conference on Tuesday night, during which O'Neill bristled at suggestions that results and performances may be scrutinised by the FAI and that the jeers at the end of the game were directed to him, the manager gave a separate interview to print journalists.
It was during this 'breakout' that O'Neill involved himself in an exchange that ended in his guaranteeing qualification for the competition because he is, in is own words, 'good'.
The transcript has been reprinted by Daniel McDonnell in today's Irish Independent.
Reporter: When do you think you can deliver?
O'Neill: I'll win.
Reporter: You've never shirked responsibility...or belief in your own capabilities.
O'Neill: I actually don't think I have, believe it or not. Regardless of what people think, I've never shirked the responsibility. I've never really turned on my players. Not that I need to, not for the effort they put into games, which is phenomenal. We're short of some things but in terms of spirit, drive and determination, it's there. We can turn the corner.
Reporter: You have those qualities?
O'Neill: I'll win, I'll win...We'll have people ready for the games. I'll be ready and we'll go through, simple as that.
Reporter: We'll go through to the Euros?
O'Neill: Yes.
Reporter: You're saying that now?
O'Neill: Absolutely.
Reporter: What gives you that optimism?
O'Neill: Because I'm good.
Admirable self-belief from the manager, at least.
